SOME 28 solo mothers in the Municipality of Cordova have successfully completed the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Life Skills Training Program of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).

The CCCI has undertaken the program in collaboration with the New Zealand Embassy in Manila, CCCI Cordova Chapter, the local government unit of Cordova, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology Visayas Cluster 2 Office.

In a statement on Monday, CCCI president Charles Kenneth Co encouraged the solo mothers “to remain hopeful and inspired to overcome each obstacle in life.”

CCCI vice president for membership Tomas Riveral, a lawyer, underscored the importance of a strong support system in helping these solo mothers “overcome hardships and looking at the bright side” of their potential to contribute to local economic growth through entrepreneurship.

The CCCI’s ICT and Life Skills Training Program for Solo Mothers took a setback last December when Typhoon Odette (Rai) brought destruction to homes, properties, livelihoods to Cebuanos at a time when most people were already facing the societal and developmental impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Amidst the challenges, Co said the 28 resilient and empowered solo mothers were able to finish the course with high hopes of finding opportunities with options either to join the workforce or continue their entrepreneurial stint in baby steps.

The graduation ceremony held last April 8 was graced by the New Zealand Embassy aid program manager Dyan Mabunga Rodriguez and Cordova Mayor Mary Therese Sitoy-Cho.

CCCI Cordova chapter president Sam Augusto, an engineer, expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the New Zealand Embassy and the CCCI for engaging the chapter and helping them in implementing the program.

The program forms part of CCCI’s goal to produce more solo mother-entrepreneurs and enable them to take advantage of economic opportunities available to them. (with PR)